Kennedy won't let Ole Miss slip

That''s the approach Ole Miss basketball coach Andy Kennedy is taking with his team this season.

Despite the loss of guards Chris Warren, Eniel Polynice and Trevor Gaskins to season-ending knee injuries, Kennedy has not allowed the Rebels to spiral backward.

Ole Miss (12-9 overall, 3-4 Southeastern Conference) takes a two-game winning streak into tonight''s matchup against the Auburn Tigers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Tadd-Smith Coliseum in Oxford.

The Rebels have generated momentum for themselves after wins against Kentucky at home and at Mississippi State.

"We talked about us dealing with what we have and don''t give in to the fact that everybody wants to disregard this year and look to the future," Kennedy said. "We''ve tried to get the mentality if we do take the right approach, we think we have the chance to be successful. Tuesday''s night''s win against Kentucky reaffirmed that in their own minds and gave them the belief that if everybody does their job then we have a chance. Going and winning in a very tough environment in Starkville on Saturday again I''m hopeful it continues."

Junioir guard David Huertas leads Ole Miss by scoring 19.4 points per game, but is complimented well by guard Terrico White, the SEC Feshman of the Week. White (10.5 ppg) averaged 19.5 points in last week''s two victories.

"They are certainly playing with a lot of confidence right now," said Auburn coach Jeff Lebo.

Lebo noted that it appears White is getting into a comfort zone.

"Sometimes when you know you are not coming out of the game and don''t have subs, you play a lot looser," Lebo said. "He''s moved to a different position and he''s got size and athleticism as the point-guard position. He''s still playing at the two, but he is shooting the ball from the perimeter so well."

"Jeff''s teams always seem to come in here and play well in the two years I''ve been here," Kennedy said. "They are a difficult team to match up with because of the ability to stretch you on the perimeter and their ability to make shots in bunches."